They were made out as scapegoats, labelled as snakes and when they walked out of the doors of their respective clubs last season, few fans were unhappy to see the backs of Vedran Janjetovic and Andrew Redmayne. Both left their clubs as second fiddle, dropped from starting positions they held just months earlier before being deemed back-up choices.
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After Janjetovic's infamous split from Sydney FC to the Wanderers in December last year and Redmayne's subsequent move in the other direction, the two goalkeepers are back between the posts for a Sydney derby where they will face each other for the first time on Saturday night at Allianz Stadium.
Few players will receive more scorn than Janjetovic for 45 minutes on Saturday night when he returns to his former home to stand in front of the supporters who adored him for almost five seasons. After walking out of Sydney FC mid-contract to join their fiercest rivals and becoming the first player to cross the divide of the Sydney derby, the Sky Blues fans hurled dozens of plastic snakes, jeers and insults in his direction last season. He now uses that reception to his advantage
"Within me it's pretty simple, I just use that as motivation and encouragement. Whatever they can dish out ??? all their emotions, I use it for myself and to better myself," Janjetovic said. "I'm not expecting anything less this time around."
Janjetovic had the final response: two clean sheets against Sydney FC in as many games and a win over his former club.
Redmayne, however, will be entering unchartered territory. He spent two years at Western Sydney, guiding the Wanderers to an A-League grand final appearance in 2015-16 against Adelaide United, but for all of his achievements, he never won over their supporters and could be reminded of that on Saturday.
"Former players of teams always cop a little bit of flak," he said. "Once you step over that white line, you're fully switched on and engaged in the game and I'll do everything possible to get that win."
Despite a porous backline in front of him, Redmayne bore the brunt of criticism from fans when the Wanderers let goals in too easily last season. Goalkeepers always do. Some performances rightfully were queried while most frustrations should have been directed elsewhere.
A 3-0 defeat to Melbourne Victory in round 10 was the third and final time he was dropped at the Wanderers, opening the door for the move east.
In many ways, it was a blessing for Redmayne. An A-League medal now sits in his trophy cabinet while Danny Vukovic's sale to Genk propelled him to the first-choice goalkeeper at Moore Park. It's not merely circumstantial for Redmayne who looks to have the nod over Alex Cisak for that starting spot. More importantly, he now has the consistent backing of a club's coaching staff.
"He's been outstanding for the first two games for us. He's got his mentor Jon Crawley close to him and with him. He's in great spirits and great form," coach Graham Arnold said.
